Intake Bar Counsel bei State Bar of Arizona

Description

Looking for a meaningful legal role with steady pace and purpose? The State Bar of Arizona is hiring an Intake Attorney to help uphold the integrity of the legal profession. In this role, you’ll review concerns about attorney conduct, perform investigative duties under Supreme Court Rules, assist the public and legal community with discipline-related inquiries, and help resolve issues early in the process. You’ll also engage in dispute resolution when appropriate. This is a great fit for someone who enjoys thoughtful legal work, values work-life balance, and wants to make a positive impact—without the pressure of billable hours or litigation. You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team that values professionalism and shared purpose. As a mission-driven organization, the State Bar is committed to protecting the public and strengthening the legal profession through service, integrity, and accountability.

Benefits of working at the State Bar of Arizona include:

• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee only)

• $900 HSA funding provided by employer for individuals ($2,000 for families) 

• Generous paid vacation and sick time

• 10 paid holidays per year + 2 additional floating holidays

• 8 hours of paid volunteer hours per year

• Paid parental leave up to 8 weeks

• 401(k) with employer match

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 

• Quarterly wellness reimbursement for gym membership

• A community of friendly and collaborative co-workers

If you are ready for a challenging and rewarding legal career that makes a significant impact on the Arizona legal profession while protecting the public, we want you on our team! To hear more about the mission of the SBA, please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTd_T8s6BNw. 

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, performs investigative duties set forth pursuant to Supreme Court Rules as well as other duties assigned.  Acts as resource for public and Bar members for inquiries regarding attorney discipline system and related programs.  Performs dispute resolution functions as appropriate.  

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are essential to the employee’s position.

• Responds to written, telephonic and in-person inquiries to the State Bar of Arizona regarding attorney misconduct.

• Addresses consumer concerns regarding attorney conduct. 

• Contacts complainants, respondents and other necessary persons to evaluate the allegations of misconduct.   

• Conducts prescreening investigation within department guidelines to determine if there has been a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct.  Determines whether charge of misconduct can be resolved through Intake.  Resolves charges that would not result in the imposition of a formal sanction. 

• Coordinates with and refers inquiries to other agencies and programs, as appropriate.

• Provides education and information to the public and members of the Bar regarding Arizona attorney discipline system.

• Tracks statistical information regarding operation of program and compiles reports as requested by Lawyer Regulation management.

• Coordinates investigative needs and functions with investigative team.

• Meets with Bar Counsel regularly to discuss interaction between Intake and Litigation counsel

• Screens and evaluates potential referrals to Litigation, Fee Arbitration or other related programs.

• Acts as liaison to assigned State Bar committees and other agencies or entities.

• Develops and presents CLE programs.

• In coordination with human resources, hires, trains, develop, and appraises staff effectively.    

• May perform litigation bar counsel duties as necessary. 

• Performs all other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience Required

J.D required.  Have a minimum of five (5) years successful practical legal experience; solo practitioner or small law firm experience preferred.  Active member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona.

Skills and Abilities

• Performs all duties in compliance with internal procedures and external regulations.  Is responsible for bringing compliance issues to the attention of management.

• Familiarity with the Rules of Professional Conduct.

• Knowledge of dispute resolution methods and techniques.

• Excellent legal research and writing skills.

• Possess the ability to work effectively with staff, Board, Supreme Court, legislation, members, and the public.

• Exercise excellent judgment with action to be taken on cases.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to listen.

• Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.  Position requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy.  

• Strong attention to detail and well organized.

• Flexibility in schedule to meet business needs.

• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently as well as work effectively with teams.

Model the behaviors expected of all SBA employees by:

o Cultivating a positive work environment.

o Prioritizing and setting manageable goals.

o Being efficient with time at work.

o Communicating effectively with management, staff, members, clients, visitors, and the public.

o Being flexible and taking criticism constructively.

o Maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Computer Skills

Microsoft windows environment with Office Suite to include formatting and production of word processing documents, spreadsheets, and reports. Ability use tools for video conferencing, as needed. Ability to become proficient in Case Management database application.  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Required:  Position may require travel within metropolitan area; thus, reliable transportation is required. If using personal vehicle, must have appropriate driver’s license and insurance coverage.  

Member in good standing with the SBA.

Preferred:  Mediator Certification

Other

Regular attendance is required. Additional hours including weekends may be required on a regular basis to fulfill duties of position.  At times, individual must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with ability to handle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The Employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and manual dexterity in combination with eye/hand coordination. Work environment is subject to interruptions, varying and unpredictable situations and time pressures related to multiple tasks. It also requires regular use of computer keyboard and monitor.  There is extensive repetitive motion in using hands/wrists.